The year end tournament for the U7, U8 and U9 co-ed divisions along with the U11 boys of the Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA) took place on March 3.
About 300 youth participated in these three divisions during the season, which started in September.The sessions were typically one hour long with a 30-minute warm up and then a 30-minute game against another team on a rotating schedule.
"Those coaches who have advanced with these age groups comment on the big change in the children from year-to-year as far as improvement in their skills and the ability to focus and understand the basic rules of soccer," said SCYSA executive director Norm Blair.
"Player development is a focus in the programs offered by the SCYSA with fun being right along side. This age group was particularly excited with the return of the Vancouver Whitecaps training sessions that kicked off the season. This past Saturday was also a fun day, as the players, parents and volunteers shared the day in appreciation and fun for the game."
The SCYSA is very thankful to have Tim Hortons and DWM Securities Inc. as sponsors for these three divisions. The programs offered by the SCYSA are funded through membership fees, grant funds or sponsors. The province of British Columbia was very supportive of the SCYSA again this past year, and combined with the support of the sponsors, the SCYSA continues to provide excellent recreation and learning for a small fee. A sponsorship program is available for many more teams. Further information can be obtained by emailing info@scysa.ca.
The SCYSA is working closely with the British Columbia Soccer Association in bringing forward new development programs, particularly for coaches. The Vancouver Whitecaps FC is also working closely with BCSA since it moved to the MLS arena. For more information about this and other programs offered by the SCYSA, visit www.scysa.ca.
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